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FullBar and Dr. Michael A. Snyder, MD, FACS


I am continuously looking for food that I can snack on in between my main meals. I have tried all types of bars, nuts, fruits, etc. Fruits usually hold me over okay, but I never feel full. Luckily I was contacted a few weeks ago by a PR firm that wanted me to try out some new bars. Their pitch was that the bar had been created by a leading weight loss surgeon. That immediately got my attention. I was then sent over some FullBars a week later.

As soon as I opened up the USPS box I was impressed. The packaging for the FullBar was top notch. The package came with reading material about the FullBar, its story, and its founder. FullBar was created by Dr. Michael A. Snyder, MD, FACS. As a leading weight loss surgeon, he knows his share of health and weight loss information.

FullBar packaing photo

So the whole point behind FullBar is to feel full, so that you don’t overeat. I like that idea. After being blown away by the sleekness of the bar packaging, it reminded me of Pepperidge Farms cookies packaging, I proceeded to taste one. It was good. Not like those other bars that are tasteless and bitter. That was my first bite. It was a small test. The next day I ate a bar for breakfast, with some water. The taste reminded me of a rice cake, but a whole lot better and less bland. They come in 4 different flavors, chocolate being one of them.

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What happened next was pretty surprising. I am usually hungry by about 10 am, even after eating breakfast. But not that day. I was full! I wasn’t even hungry when lunch time came around, but of course I ate to fuel my body. So the FullBar actually did what it said it would do, keep me feel so that I don’t overeat. That was proof enough for me. Plus, each bar only contains about 180 calories (for a full breakdown of the nutrition facts visit the site).

I think FullBar is going to start being distributed around various health stores and retail locations in the U.S. They are currently available for sale on their web site and I recently saw a commercial on TV. I thought it was cool and DVRed the commercial for my wife to see. She was impressed that a company that was advertising on television had representatives that were in contact with me.

Give FullBar’s website a visit and read up. They have a lot of useful health information that anyone interested in weight loss could benefit from.

About the Author

My name is Israel Lagares. I used to be the kind of guy that was always in shape, but over the last few years I've fallen off tremendously. This site is my final attempt to get back into shape. So far I've lost 70.4 lbs. Check out my weight loss chart, weight loss videos and progress pics. Follow my journey, those of others, and read our thoughts on various health topics. Share your thoughts, experience, and journey here on FMU.

Community Thoughts (41)

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  1. Hi Israel,

    Did you coin a new word “DVRed”? It would be cool to see you get credit for that 🙂

    The FullBar concept is good but I generally try and get through the hunger with a light beer or two. That has its own downside though if I overindulge.

    Hunger and staying on track makes some days harder than others if the FullBar works – it should do well.

    • Israel LagaresNo Gravatar says:

      Not sure if I coined it, but I always say it. Especially since I don’t have a Tivo. I am sometimes tempted to just say Tivoed, but I feel like a fake saying it so I say DVRed. lol.

      I rarely drink beer, so your tactic won’t work for me.

  2. Strong OneNo Gravatar says:

    Cool stuff. Thanks for the info. I’d be curious to see if it worked for me.

  3. I visited your site for the first time and glad I did. Fullbar, huh? I’m running over to my neighborhood GNC to see if they carry it! (well…not run, maybe stroll over) Thanks for the info. I’ve been losing weight by eating a variety of nutrition bars but I’m always looking for something new. Fullbar sounds like worth a good try.

  4. MeredithNo Gravatar says:

    So curious, are you still on Isagenix? How’s it going? Day 12—? I’m just about to start a 30 day cleanse and I’m eager to hear about yours!
    Thanks!

    • Israel LagaresNo Gravatar says:

      Meredith, I am indeed still on my 30 day Isagenix program. I am posting an update Monday regarding my progress. I feel great so far.

  5. Dr MarcNo Gravatar says:

    This is complete nonsense. OR rather entertaining and creative nonsense.

    Eat an apple 15 minutes before a meal and you’ll have much better results. less calories at 60, less expensive, better tasting and so much healthier. unless you prefer process foods… which is making everyone fat and sick in the first place.

    check out the only true miraculous gastric bypass diet:

    http://www.celebritydietdoctor.com/gastric-bypass-without-surgery-the-fruit-and-veggie-diet/

    hey, someone has to stand up for fruits and veggies in this overly processed, calorie dense, food world:)

    • Israel LagaresNo Gravatar says:

      Dr. Marc!!! It’s been a while. Hope all has been well, I hear you have been real busy…

      I wouldn’t call this nonsense, just an alternative. I eat apples all the time, but end up feeling hungry a lot faster than when I tried the FullBar. Everyone will have their own results I bet.

      Good to see you are back.

  6. Oh, it looks like delicious.
    Thanks for sharing.

  7. Fail FunniesNo Gravatar says:

    I find meal-replacemnt bars to be either really good, or really, well, mostly very waxy or etc. Looks like I will have to give fullbar a try.

    • Israel LagaresNo Gravatar says:

      Good point. The only bar that I could stand for an extended period of time was back a few years ago in college. It was the Gatorade bars.

  8. I don;t how good they are but the package looks great

  9. Dr. Michael SnyderNo Gravatar says:

    Thank you for the balanced and informative review of FullBar. As its creator, and someone who has spent a number of years developing the bars to their present form, I obviously feel strongly about their utility and taste.

    I do feel the need to respond to Dr. Marc (from above) as his response is a tad less glowing! I appreciate his insights and provocative presentation style. But I am sure even he realizes that he does not “possess the only true solution.” As he undoubtedly knows, diets do not work. Even his. How many people do you know who have done one diet… found the “cure”… and lived their life in hunger-control bliss thereafter? None? It is never this simple. What works are simple tools, together with dietary and behavioral changes. As patient advocates, Dr. Marc and I surely agree on this one fact.

    I advocate FullBar as a proven, all-natural, and convenient tool in one’s hunger-management toolbox! This is how it works – to control one’s hunger. And the national reception has been unbelievable. As you have noted, it truly makes you feel full. And, when we are full we have better impulse control.

    So, you can try the “just an apple” cure for hunger that Dr. Marc advocates. I am all for real foods. I am with him here. In fact, FullBar is an all-natural food. But how has that worked for you in the past? Did a bushel of apples result in pounds lost? It does not translate into hunger management. That is what I am all about. Rather, FullBar should be considered as an adjunct to “real foods” — see our website for details. I am a big fan of real food and never make any claims to the contrary.

    FullBar is a powerful and effective tool. I invite any of your readers, Dr. Marc included, to try it. You will be surprised at how effective it is. I wish you and your readers the greatest health and success. And, please let me know how it works for you.

    Live full. Be full.

    –Michael A. Snyder, MD, FACS

  10. Dr MarcNo Gravatar says:

    I appreciate the comments from Dr Snyder…

    and yes diets do work.. problem is most Americans consume too many processed foods and this has lead to the epidemic in obesity.

    Unfortunately, Full Bars will result in weight gain, not weight loss. they are processed foods with a high calorie density no different from the other “weight loss” and “diet” bars that claim to help you lose weight. They will not. They will make you fat.

    Fact is it is mathematically impossible to gain weight on unprocessed foods. The most powerful weight loss foods on earth are unprocessed fruits and veggies. Not LA weight loss bars, not full bars, not atkins, balance bars etc. Don’t get fooled by slick marketing…

    and yes you will lose an enormous amount of weight with apples as you will with a diet full of unprocessed foods.

    The closer we get to a diet of unprocessed foods the more weight you will lose and the healthier you will become.

    • rndrcNo Gravatar says:

      Hmmm…flollowing the sparring about Full Bars-and was caught by your comment “Fact is it is mathematically impossible to gain weight on unprocessed foods” Potatoes are unprocessed foods, and ask almost anyone, it is very very easy to gain weight eating potatoes-ask anyone with an “Irish-German Body” and they’ll tell you. IF you are talking about portion control-that’s entirely different-if you control your calories and portions, you can eat a bit of anything. Also, I’m not really sure what you mean by “mathematically” -as in “10 potatoes + 20 steaks + 10 glasses of whole milk= 0 pounds”? Doesn’t really make any sense. Speaking as a nurse-I don’t know many docs who would use that kind of terminology, b/c most of them know that eating too much of almost anything can cause weight gain-whole food or processed foods. If you remember, the original reason that this country shifted to weight gain was the change from being primarily a farm-based, eat what you have, meat once a week, walking, bike riding culture to a sitting, and driving but everyday eating meat and potatoes like a farmer on sunday culture-add in fast food and junk food and you have the current disaster.

      • GarryNo Gravatar says:

        @rndrc

        You totally PWNED the good Dr. Marc (i question if he a real doctor but that is for another day).

        When I saw the words ‘mathematically impossible’ to his claim my ‘he’s full of crap’ alert meter was pegged to RED.

        My guess is that Dr. Marc is slinging his BS ‘all unprocessed foods’ theory of weight management and conveniently points to his website. There are a lot of idiots on this ‘unprocessed/raw’ food craze thinking it’s somehow the MAGIC fix…(“It wasn’t ME getting myself fat it was those darn processed foods!”).

        Here is a mathematical formual for you Dr. Marc
        Calories IN – Calories Out = Net Caloric Intake

        Net Caloric Intake X Genetic Factors = Storage of Body Fat

        Full Bar helps with Part I of the equation: Calories IN.

  11. PeteNo Gravatar says:

    My philosophy, NEVER start a diet that you cannot maintain for the rest of your life. What’s the point otherwise? To lose a few and gain a few for the rest of your life? Also you can get some of the same ‘fullness effect’ with a fiber supplement like metamucil. But why do it if your not going to do it for life?

    My .02

    Pete

    • Israel LagaresNo Gravatar says:

      Hi Pete, thanks for stopping by my area of the internet. You make a great point. This is the Pete that shocked me during BL right??? I think you should have won the whole thing.

  12. Leslie RennNo Gravatar says:

    Hey ya’ll…

    Diets Don’t Work is partially correct. The modern concept of dieting is flawed. The way we should focus on eating can better be named a nutritional diet, meaning the quality and quantity should be examined. No processed, canned, boxed or frozen foods! No red meat, pork, oily fish, snails or other exotics! Especially NO artificial sweeteners! Eat whole live foods, raw or lightly cooked. When you rise in the am drink room temp pure water and flush your system. Eat a small serving of fruit 20-30 minutes prior to a meal not with/or after your meal (or it will ferment the food in your stomach) this helps set up the enzymes for proper digestion. Only drink small amounts of water with a meal so as to not interrupt digestion otherwise food sits in your stomach far too long and putrefies (acid reflux). Eat proteins with vegetables, no complex carbs. Eat complex carbs with vegetables, no protein. This is called proper food combining, otherwise it slows digestion and leads to purification (there’s that reflux again). The total amount of food that an average-sized adult should eat in a single day is 4-4.5 cups of raw food.

    We are fat due to overly processed foods, FAST foods (which should be illegal or called ‘sure death’ foods) and artificial sweeteners, the worst being ASPARTAME. The incidence of cancers, diabetes, lymphomas, MS, lupus, obesity, severe depressions and more has increased up 79% accordingly to our use of this product from 1971, statistics published from a 30 year study 1975-2005. We were sold out by the FDA when this chemical made by the evil empire of MONSANTO was approved and is now in over 6,000 food of our products.

    I am not a crazed health nutzo, I was just very plus-sized 18-20W for awhile in the early 90’s, high blood pressure was killing me, I was sad and depressed as I physically could not keep up with my family and just plain old felt badly. Then the big “C” diagnosis served as a rude wake-up call. I am now a healthy and happy 54 yr old gal, 5’3″ and have been very normal sized 4-6 by following the principles in “Fit for Life” (Harvey and Marilyn Diamond) for almost 14 years. Hey, I am human so every now and then I blow it and do not suffer any worries. I do work out 4 days on, 1 day off, 3 days on, 1 off, and rotate between aerobics and anaerobic. All this seems to work and make sense to me.

    However I am sure that Dr. Marc and Dr. Snyder know all this though, right?

    I normally do not condone of any form of processed foods but the alternative form of bariatric surgery I feel is far too risky. I have researched the ingredients in Dr. Snyder’s FULLBARS and they appear to be nutrionally acceptable. I truly believe that this is a healthier alternative for those who need the extra boost towards weight loss.

    Thank you for your time……
    Leslie

  13. Dr MarcNo Gravatar says:

    For the commenter who talks about potatoes and weight gain… let’s do a little math.

    3 lbs of potatoes which i dare say most people could not possible eat in in an entire day comes to a mere 1263 calories. it’s not necessarily the potatoes, it’s the cream, butter and fat that is added that’s the problem…

    and technically baked potatoes are processed. baking potatoes gets rid of water content and concentrates calories. i won’t quibble but i think you get the point.

    yes, it is mathematically impossible to gain weight on unprocessed fruits and veggies. it’s a bold statement and at first blush you may think it’s crazy, but it’s also true. do the math… anyway you slice it you’ll be losing weight and a lot of it! 4 lbs of strawberries comes out to a mere 577 calories. think how many strawberries you would need to consume to simply meet your calorie needs for the day.

    processed foods are the reason for the obesity crisis. this simple fact gets lost because of the marketing and profit motive misleading people to believe low carb, low fat, high protein or low glycemic are the answer. the actual solution is a lot simpler than that.

  14. BonnieNo Gravatar says:

    Hi Israel, I just read your site for the first time and am totally hooked. I was laughing at how defensive Dr. Marc is. I tried the fullbar and was FULL. I am usally hungry after eating breakfast or lunch. I am a stay at home mom of 2 and don’t have time to walk around with a apple or other fruit/veggie in my hand all day long. I have tried the apple before and/or after breakfast and still am a snacking fiend before lunch. So I am going to order some and try it for a longer period. Also, Target has the bars for a lot less than GNC or fullbar.com. Dr. Marc’s last comment on pototaes and strawberries is so hysterical. I dont know about you but I can’t eat that many before strawberries or potatoes before I’d feel ill.(have you tried plain boiled pototaes) So, yes we need to eat a lot more fruit and veggies in all are diets but I don’t think using the fullbar as extra help is going to kill us. Everything in moderation.

    • Israel LagaresNo Gravatar says:

      Thanks for the opinion Bonnie.

    • Dr MarcNo Gravatar says:

      glad I can add a little humor to the discussion:) and it seems that the product is working for you and at the end of the day that is what is important. but I think you hit the nail on the head when you said i can’t eat that many before I’d feel ill… eat more fruits and veggies and cut back on the processed foods. that’s the key to weight loss and better health. best of luck!

  15. ShirleyNo Gravatar says:

    Dear Dr.
    I have not tryed your product yet. But you being a Dr. maybe you can give me some insight. I believe my problem goes a bit further, I eat until bloated and my brain sayes MORE MORE MORE!!!! Going for a walk (the dog)only puts off eating more, after a 3/4 mile walk it’s back to looking for more to eat. It seams every time I turn around I’m looking for something else to eat….. What can I do to turn my brain off?
    Thank you….
    Shirley

  16. Great question. There are so many issues involved in FULLNESS– from psychological, to physiological, to mechanical– in fact, just about “everything” is involved. The process of “digestion” is realy about 6 different stages– and these include thinking about food, smelling food, tasting food, chewing food, swallowing food, and having your stomach filled by food. So, there is no quick fix.

    I recommend the following for your specific issue. You need (as I always say!) to find what tools work for you. I like the following steps for you:

    (1) Plan a meal that seems reasonable food breakdown for you– be sure to include at least half dense proteins and the rest complex carbs— carbs that “look like what they did when they were harvested”… the less processed the better. Fats are ok if part of the prep– but do not add fats. (Do not eat impulsively– this meal should not be planned right when you are going to eat it– see #5, below.)

    (2) Consciously put the right amount on a plate. Look at it and really think if it is the right volume for you. Not too much, not too little.

    (3) Eat you meal in a reasonable amount of time– say, about 20 minutes. And, have a big glass of water with the meal– all of it! No TV, no phone, and no distractions, except maybe some conversation if you have family or company. Do not use this as a time to multitask. I need you to think about the meal and be very in-touch with the process of eating and enjoying what is before you.

    (4) Then, be done, clear the plate and get on with your life. Do not ever wonder if you are “Full”– being truly full is a lot to ask. Are you “ok” with the feeling in your gut OR at least not actively hungry? If so, then go do something else. Do not look in the fridge. Do not roam the kitchen.

    (5) Make sure that upon completion of that meal, you know exactly when and what you are going to be eating in 3 hours-ish. Anyone can hold out for 3 hours, no? Knowing that you have another meal planned in 3 hours (a short amount of time) and having a specific plan about the meal– the what and when– is very helpful to your not feeling like you will be starving until “who knows when.”

    If done right, this rhythm will get you through every day for the 6 days of the week that you are perfect. The 7th day– feel free to break all of the rules. Get too full. Eat the wrong stuff. This will cause a food “hangover” feeling and you will look forward to getting back on track.

    Let me know how this works for you. I am thrilled to help.

    Be well and thanks for the great question,

    Michael A. Snyder, MD, FACS

  17. Check out the video below of Dr. Snyder talking about his new product, Aquafull:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yce61YRU3SE&feature=channel_page

  18. TamRockNo Gravatar says:

    Hi Israel! Thanks for the information, have you continued to use this product?
    I really appreciate seeing Dr. Snyder take the time to chime in on the discussion!
    Well done doctor!
    I ordered my boxes this morning… worth a shot!

  19. LisaNo Gravatar says:

    I tried the Fullbar and think it should be called a foolbar for my having spent my hard earned money on this gimmick. It does nothing to reduce appetite. It’s like eating a highly seasoned rice cake.

    Lisa

    • That’s unfortunate. I found that it did help me feel full, especially if I ate the whole bar. I have recently started just easting more fruit, which helps tremendously as well.

      • LisaNo Gravatar says:

        Yes fiber is key but is better to get it from whole foods. I do eat protein bars though, smaller ones that are under 200 calories and protein shakes after weight training. I’ve found more satisfaction with clean eating and weight training. You never go hungry and you grow muscle, lose fat.

        Lisa

  20. atricianneNo Gravatar says:

    I am a diabetic and am insulin resistant.I bought the full bars and I do eat them since there is no processed sugar in them they do not raise my blood sugar more than 35 points.I can’t walk around with friut in my hand oops bad for diabetics.doing full bar and extend bars and a strict diet I brought my a1c from 7-8% to 5.8.The full bars do work to keep a person full (i found about 6 hours).Dr synder wish I could have the lap band but no suh luck so I will stick to what I have.Thank yu for full bars.Sorry Dr marc but I can’t eat potatoes nor strawberries and keep my sugar down in the 70’s now.I cook all my food and eat what my dr said is good for me …….he said full bars are also good.I did show him.I drink black coffee with my bar.

  21. CarolineNo Gravatar says:

    I’m going to try my first Fullbar today. I have a desert party to attend and I thought this might be a good way to take part in the festivities yet still keep some control.

  22. ElizabethNo Gravatar says:

    Hi, Isreal
    I came upon your terrific website quite by accident. I was looking up Dr. Snyder and Full Bars! What a great discussion ensued. And to think that Dr. Snyder “weighed” in –okay it’s a good pun, sorry. His response to Shirley was so helpful to me. I am constantly thinking about food and was desperate for some way to turn off my brain. Dr. Snyder’s approach WORKS. It shows tremendous understanding of the psychological perspective of overeating and becoming obese. I actually cut and pasted the document, printed it out and have my name at the heading as if it were addressed to ME. I started following the plan as soon as I read Dr. Snyder’s recommendation, and I have lost 7 POUNDS. I am on my way. I actually feel a little lighter. I hope Dr. Snyder drops by your site again soon and sees this sincere expression of appreciation. A good, healthy, Happy New Year to one and all. Thanks to everyone here. Elizabeth

  23. I know how you feel! Finding something to eat in between meals can be difficult. Try chewing gum or drinking water. I know you’ll probably still be hungry, but believe it or not, just keeping your mouth active helps.

    Or distract yourself!

    Awesome blog.

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